Photo Credit: Chris Facey for SBHS
(Wilson, N.C.) – September 10, 2026 – Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science (SBHS) continues to demonstrate strong academic performance on North Carolina state assessments, posting a five-year high in overall academic achievement along with strong results in science, mathematics, reading, English Learner progress and more for the 2025-2026 school year.
SBHS earned an overall School Performance Score of 84, just below its 2024–2025 score of 87 and one point shy of the state’s threshold for an “A.” The school’s overall EOG performance was 85, its highest level in five years, continuing a four-year upward trend in student achievement. SBHS also earned a Growth Score of 81.6 and met expected growth for 2025–2026.
Among the school’s 25-26 academic highlights:
- 82% four-year cohort graduation rate.
- 92 in Science, an increase of 8 points from the previous year;
- 87 in Math Achievement;
- 81 in Reading Achievement, a five-year high following four years of improvement;
- 74 in English Learner Progress, a five-year high following four consecutive years of improvement;
- 62 performance score among Students with Disabilities; and
- 82% four-year cohort graduation rate.
SBH continues to outperform local and state academic achievement scores by double-digits in all categories, especially among subgroups. English Learners earned progress scores (74%) twice that of Wilson County (35%) and the state (35%). Our Students with Disabilities (Exceptional Children students) performed higher overall (62%) than regular ed students both locally (60%) and statewide (59%).
“These results reflect the hard work of our students, teachers and families,” said Sandeep Aggarwal, Executive Director of Sallie B. Howard School. “We are especially encouraged by the continued strength of our academic achievement and the progress we are seeing in key areas across our K–12 program. At the same time, we know there is always room to grow, and we remain focused on helping every student reach his or her highest potential.”
The results reinforce the school’s priorities for the 2026–2027 school year, including strengthening instructional rigor, expanding schoolwide academic intervention and using student performance data to provide targeted support for learners.
“Our goal is always continuous improvement,” Aggarwal said. “We are proud of what our students accomplished, and we are excited to build on that foundation as we challenge them to achieve and grow at even higher levels this year.”
For more information, visit salliebhowardschool.com
Source: NCDPI School Performance Grades Data 2025-2026
About Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science
Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science, a 2021 National Blue Ribbon School, is a free, public charter school founded in 1997 in Wilson, N.C. that serves 1,200 students in grades K-12. Named after the legendary author, educator, playwright and actress Sallie Baldwin Howard, SBHS is dedicated to ensuring that every child – privileged or underprivileged – gets the kind of education that will allow them to become more than they ever thought they would be. With a performing arts-based curriculum, a study abroad program that has brought hundreds of children to nearly all 7 continents, a culturally diverse faculty and student body, and the addition of a high school, Sallie B. Howard School is preparing its students to become 21st century industry leaders both locally and globally.
Media Contact:
Saptosa Foster – Dean of Transportation & Communications | Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science
sfoster@sallieb.net – 252-293-4150
